Lake Edge Stamps
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Semi-Crazy
Bob's Musings on Stamp Collecting
January, 2022
Very Interesting
When asked recently to appraise a worldwide accumulation of stamps in a bulging stock book, I found myself muttering the phrase in a German accent “very interesting”. Apparently, the influence of comedian Arte Johnson, a regular on “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In” 1960’s television series still reverberates in the abyss of my brain. Very Interesting Indeed! The seller was a non-collector and said he inherited the stamps from an uncle who traveled the world for a living. He would take this book with him to have postage for his correspondence while traveling. What was I willing to pay for it? I gave it a close examination. This is what I found:
The stamps were sorted by country in alphabetical order. (I later counted 135 different countries.) Can you image visiting 135 countries in your lifetime?
The stamps were about 60 percent commemoratives and the balance being regular issues. The stamps were mostly duplicated with two to twenty copies of each stamp.
The stamps were about equally divided between single definitive issues, incomplete sets and complete sets.
Included with stamps were multiples of First Class Etiquette stickers to add to the envelope. These stickers made a nice collection by themselves as each were printed in the language of the country.
The stock book was not properly cared for, so I found serious mold and spore damage. I estimated that 20% of the stamps were damaged. Unfortunately, later I discovered much more damage than my original spot check revealed.
I was fascinated by the collection. It was not like any other I had ever seen. Normally, I avoid buying collections with mold. But it was so interesting. I offered $200 for the lot. He left my table and visited other dealers at the show. An hour later he came back and told me I could have it for $250. I told him I was taking a risk at $200 and that was the best I could do. He accepted my offer. I could not wait to get home and further evaluate my interesting purchase. This what I found:
The seller was correct. It was obvious that the original owner bought stamps at local post offices and purchased stamps to pay for air mail rates.
I was fascinated by a worldwide accumulation of stamps that were all obtained in the country of origin at the post office and at face value.
Due to the repeated stamps with images of the pope and all the foreign stamps with US presidential images, I concluded he was Roman Catholic by faith and probably a member of the Republican party. I did not realize how many countries issued stamps with the image of Richard Nixon.
I also concluded that he might have been in the oil business since every Middle East country is represented. Yes, Virginia, the sand dune countries sold stamps at post offices.
In conclusion, because of damaged stamps, broken sets and the time to insure no mold finds it way into my stock, I will probably be lucky to break even on this stamp purchase. On the other hand, can you put a price tag on a worldwide collection that takes you on a journey around the world and provides hours of enjoyment? As the stamps of many rarely seen countries get worked into my stock of packets, you will be able to enjoy this very interesting purchase along with me. Happy Collecting!
©2022 Robert Voss
August, 2021
A Professional Philatelic Recycler
When I was preparing to retire from my career as a pastor, I attended a pre-retirement workshop. The speaker made a statement that has always resonated with me. “You are not being retired as much as you are being recycled.” How true! I am as busy as I ever was. I am just recycling my talents, gifts, responsibilities and passions into new arenas of my life.
Recently, the youngest of my six grandchildren asked my a very pointed question. “Grandpa, what does a stamp dealer really do?” The word’s just flowed from my lips, “I recycle little pieces of paper that are miniature works of art and history from one collector to another collector.” He responded, “Why would you do that?” My answer was equally quick. “Because I like doing it.”
In fact I love it. I am filled with anticipation as I purchase collections from collectors, heirs, other dealers and auction houses. I enjoy admiring the care that another person had put in their collection. I recently purchased a Cacti collection that the collector spent a lifetime acquiring, researching and mounting. It was filled with information. It was beautiful. And it is my job to break it down in such a way that the joy of one collector can be passed on to another generation of collectors and learners. Being a stamp dealer involves a prayer of appreciation for those who have gone before us.
Stamp collectors are recyclers also. Having bought hundreds of estates over the years, it seems that there are no boundaries in ingenuity for the recycled products used to store their stamps. Recycled 3 ring binders, church offering envelopes, plastic food containers, sandwich bags, coffee cans and boxes of all types and sizes (including the infamous varieties and smells of cigar boxes, shoe boxes and bank check boxes) have all passed through my hands while recycling stamps from one collector to another.
And every week I have a load of material to recycle. Recently I purchased a nine box lot. When I was done, the stamps were neatly placed in three boxes to be worked up, and the other six boxes were items to be recycled. It seems clear to me that stamp collecting is a hobby for recyclers. Enjoy your stamps then pass them on.
©2021 Robert Voss
January, 2021
Buying a Worldwide Stamp Collection: Part II
In my last column, I mentioned the importance of looking at the actual binder and type of album pages when purchasing a collection. It probably goes without saying, it is even more important to look at the stamps themselves.
The first thing I do is carefully look at the condition of the stamps. Here are some of the things that are important to look for: ·
What is the general overall condition of the stamps? Clean or dirty? Neat or messy?
Are the used stamps nicely cancelled? I then determine for myself if the collection on the whole is in average, fine, fine-very fine, very fine or superb condition?
Are the stamps used, mint hinged, mint never hinged or a combination? Generally, sets composed of mixed used and mint are harder to sell than all used or all mint.
Are the stamps in mounts? Do the mounts allow for accurate viewing and removing of the stamps? Do not assume the stamps in mounts are never hinged. Often they may have been hinged.
Are the stamps layered? Some collectors like to put used stamps underneath or behind mint stamps.
If the stamps are hinged to the page, use stamp tongs to take a careful look at the hinges. Are the hinges the older variety (Ex: Dennison) that easily peel off the back of the stamp and page? Be careful. It makes a huge difference. Some hinges being manufactured today are very difficult to remove and must be soaked to save the stamp. I have one customer who soaks every used hinged stamp he buys to be sure the stamp remains in good condition and that there are no hidden flaws. Great idea -- if you have the time. As a dealer, I do not. If the stamps are mint hinged, check carefully that the previous owner did not have the “Heavy Tongue” syndrome where excess saliva goes beyond the hinge to the stamp gum causing the stamp to stick to the page.
Are the stamps in order by year or catalog number? This make a big difference in valuing the worth of the collection. A haphazard mounted collection takes TIME to evaluate.
The second thing I do is ask the question, where were the stamps obtained that were put in the album? This is not as difficult as it sounds. If a collector built a collection by regular dealer purchases or from clipped mail from family and friends is a key indicator of the value. First you can ask the seller or the seller’s heirs? If that is not possible, scan the collection with these questions?
Are the stamps all or mostly in complete sets? If so, the sets are more likely to have higher catalog valued stamps included in the collection. · Are the stamps mostly broken sets? This is an indication that the stamps were obtained through packets and mixtures. This is a great way to obtain stamps. It is part of my business. It’s the way you can get the most stamps and get a great bang for your buck. Who cares if your sets are complete if you are having fun? But truth be told, when you go to sell your collection there is a big difference. Completeness matters to most dealers and some collectors. Just saying! My packets of MNH complete sets is my all time best seller. There is a reason!
Can you determine what type of dealer was used to purchase the stamps? Approval dealer? New Issue dealer? Auction house? When purchasing a collection or collections from an estate, the invoices and envelopes often remain with the stamps. They are a big help in determining the value.
Let me conclude by saying that buying collections is an exciting and exhilarating activity for the dealer and collector alike. Until next time -- stay safe and enjoy your hobby however you choose to collect. Bob Voss
©2021 Robert Voss
August, 2020
Buying a Worldwide Stamp Collection: Part I
One of the greatest pleasures of being a stamp
dealer is purchasing stamps to build your inventory. I purchase large
lots at auctions, from other dealers, collectors and their heirs. Except
for the few times when the seller has an extremely unrealistic view of
the value of the collection, most transactions are pleasant. However, I
have made a few mistakes buying collections. I have learned to count the
lost revenue as an educational experience -- and I try not to make the
same mistake again.
The first thing I look for when evaluating a
worldwide collection is the “Type of Album.” Is the collection
in a Scott, Harris, Minkus, other manufactured album or on homemade
pages? It makes a difference. I prefer Scott Albums because I collect
semi-postal stamps and they are mounted separately and easy to pull out.
This is not true with many other albums. Because almost all of my
clientele are worldwide stamp collectors, I look at the condition of the
binders and the pages. Often these worldwide collectors are looking for
extra binders or pages to expand their collections and are willing to
pay a reasonable price for gently used binders and pages.
I
would also add an extra caution when purchasing albums with the colored
pictures of the stamps. The pictures are so realistic, I have counted
stamps that were not really in the album. Once I stripped an album of
its philatelic contents, only to find I had left several sets of nice
stamps in the mounts.
After checking the album and binders I
turn to the actual pages. If I am purchasing from a collector or an
heir, I ask where and how were the collections stored. If albums were
stacked on top of each other, you can be pretty sure a lot of mint
stamps are stuck to the pages. Then I check the pages carefully by
starting with the smell test. Is it musty or moldy? Did the collector
smoke cigarettes or cigars around the collection. It is surprisingly
easy to tell. Are stains present that would indicate water damage?
I take a careful look at the edges of the pages. Are they clean or
smudgy? Do the pages have chew marks from rodents? Do not laugh! I have
seen my fair share of collections where the pages have been chewed deep
into the album to provide bedding for mice.
I also note if the
pages have mounts. Be careful of PM brand mounts sold in the late 1960’s
and early 70’s. It takes time, skill and patience and an X-Acto knife to
remove the stamps. Crystal brand mounts were very popular at the same
time. Many collectors used scotch tape to close the ends of the mount.
Invariably the gum on the tape migrated to the stamps and stained them.
I have seen collections where 90% of the stamps had tape stains ruining
the value of the collection.
That is enough about binders and
pages. Next time I will share what I look for with the actual stamps.
Remember, whatever album or storing method you use, the most important
thing is to have fun. Happy Collecting!
©2020 Robert Voss
April, 2020
Unhinged Again
Right before the corona virus pandemic and before
serious physical distancing, my wife and I had the good pleasure of
taking three of our grandchildren to see the movie “Call of the Wild”.
We all enjoyed the movie, especially the fact that all the animals were
virtual images -- they were not real. But they looked real.
Technology has revolutionized the movie industry.
©2020 Robert Voss
February, 2020
The Chase
Just a whiff of the men’s cologne “English Leather” will
transport me to my adolescent years of 1965 and 1966. The “Beatles” had
made it big and teenage dance clubs were popping all over. It seemed
every high school had their favorite garage bands and the clubs were
filled weekend nights with young people ready to dance. I can not speak
for the girls that attended, but I know I was up to the challenge to
find a dance partner and maybe even a girl friend.
The “Pink
Panther” in Northbrook, Illinois was the club that my friend Billy and I
frequented often. To attract the girls I wore a dark turtleneck and a
red and black plaid shirt and lathered on the English Leather. The chase
to find a dancing partner required making up a few white lies to impress
the girls. My personal favorite was saying that I was a surfer from
California in Chicago on vacation. The truth is I got a few dances, but
never did find a girlfriend. Interestingly, I never told anyone that I
collected stamps! Still, Billy and I enjoyed the chase and those days
still provide pleasant memories.
Happily married for 50 years, my
days of chasing after girls is long gone. But I still enjoy the
excitement of a chase. Now I chase stamps. I collect worldwide
semi-postal stamps. There is something exhilarating about finding the
stamps or sets that I need to complete a country. I love to attend stamp
shows with my want list and chase down the stamps that I need. As many
of you know, it can be frustrating. I went to MILCOPEX this year with a
list of 42 stamps I needed from “A” countries. I did not find a one.
Still, I loved looking at dealer stocks and chatting with fellow
collectors and dealers. I have never attended a stamp show I did not
enjoy.
Recently, a stamp collector friend asked me to stop by --
she had a surprise for me! When I arrived she gave me an envelope and
inside, in a glassine, nicely protected by cardboard, I found Angola B1
and B2. These two stamps had been on my want list for 14 years. After
profusely thanking her, I went home and mounted the stamps on my Angola
page. I poured myself a cocktail (a Bourbon Manhattan is my favorite),
and gave thanks for my philatelic friends, another country completed,
and our great hobby of stamp collecting that provides so many benefits
-- like fulfilling the biological need of “The Chase” and the
psychological need for completion. Now I think I will see if I have any
English Leather left in my bathroom cabinet.
Happy Collecting!
©2020 Robert Voss
October, 2019
Are Stamp Collectors Crazy?
As stamp dealer Frank Bachenhiemer has reminded us with
a sign at his stamp show table for years, "there is a fine line between
collecting and mental illness."
As a pastor, I was expected to
take two weeks a year and use them for continuing education. In the
late eighties, I noticed an increased up-tick in gambling related issues
among congregational members due to the rapid increase in gambling
casinos in Wisconsin. I decided to attend a week long educational
conference "Addictions" at the Hazleton Institute in St. Paul,
Minnesota to improve my counseling skills.
On the first day, we
learned there were many kinds of addictions besides alcohol and drugs.
We learned about gambling addictions, sex addictions and several
others. We learned about the addictive personality, and we each took a
test to find where each participant fell on the scale of having an
addictive personality.
I have searched my files extensively, but
never could find that test again. But I do remember several questions:
Do you think about your addiction often? Do you go to the Yellow Pages
(today it would be the internet) to find a local source for your
addiction when you first arrive in a new town? Have you ever taken money
from your family to support your addiction?
OOPS! I was thinking
about stamps most of my drive from Madison to St. Paul. The moment I
checked into the conference hotel, I looked up the address of local
Stamp Stores in the Yellow Pages. Worse yet, under my seat was a bag
with a Great Britain stamp collection I bought that morning at ta local
stamp store before the conference even began. Then I remembered how
recently I had borrowed from my kid's college fund to purchase a
collection at auction I thought I really needed. (I fortunately paid it
back quickly! It was the good deal I thought it to be.)
The good
news was that the test revealed I did not have a "Highly" addictive
personality, but there were warning signs that I needed to be careful.
That experience helped me realize that I must always keep my hobby in
perspective, and not to let it take over my life.
Thank goodness
I am only semi-crazy when it comes to stamps.
I hope you also can
keep your stamp collecting in perspective. If we love something too
much, it could turn into an addiction and wreak havoc with our lives and
the lives of those we love.
Are stamp collector semi-crazy?
Yes. I think most of us are, and that is what makes the stamp
collecting community such a joy to know, serve and work with.
If you have thoughts about what I write, please feel free to contact me
at lestamps@charter.net.
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